Amsterdam is known for its many canals and bridges. The city centre is practically a network of canals, along which you’ll find Amsterdam’s monumental 17th-century canal houses. This historical area is referred to as “Grachtengordel” which would be best translated as “Canal Ring or Canal Belt“. The unique architecture comes alive while viewed from the water and will leave a great impression. People often state that Amsterdam is best seen from the water. Find out whether that’s true by going on an Amsterdam boat tour yourself! We’ve compiled a selection of what we believe to be the best boat tours in Amsterdam. We’re sure you’ll find a cruise that suits your needs within this selection. Best of all, there’s often a discount when booking online! Are you travelling with a group or looking for a more intimate experience? Consider booking a private canal cruise! Most boat tours in Amsterdam offer guided tours and cover the city’s main highlights and main Amsterdam’s attractions.
Canal Cruise Amsterdam
Our selection of the best boat tours Amsterdam
What is the best boat tour in Amsterdam? There are many options! Prices of the canal cruises go from around €15,- up to €90, depending on the duration and beverages included in the tours. Scroll down to see the various recommended options for a boat tour along the beautiful canals, or go directly to;
- Classic canal boat cruise; best price!
- Semi-open boat tour; best price for an open boat!
- Open boat tour; 1-hour including complimentary drink!
- Hop-on-Hop-Off cruise; see the city at your own pace!
- Canal bike: cycle your way through the water!
- Pancake cruise for the hungry sailors; enjoy unlimited pancakes!
- Small open boat cruise; enjoy the canals from a comfortable electric boat!
- New York Pizza cruise; combine your cruise with a pizza!
- Smoke & lounge cruise; a relaxed, marijuana-friendly cruise!
- 60-minute wine and cheese cruise; the highlights on a luxurious boat!
- Wine and Cheese evening cruise; enjoy a drink and a bite after sunset!
- Booze cruise; a great choice to get into the party mood, drinks included!
- 2-hour evening dinner cruise including drinks and a three-course meal!
- Luxury dinner cruise; 3-hour top-of-the-bill cruise including 3-course dinner!
- Private historical canal cruise: enjoy a 100-year-old boat!
You can’t leave Amsterdam without going on a canal cruise, as Amsterdam is best seen from the water!
Trusted personal reviews
We tested all the canal cruises listed here. This enables us to provide authentic reviews and the best advice based on our firsthand experiences in Amsterdam.
Weather-proof cruise options
We have selected cruises for all weather conditions because the weather in the Netherlands is quite unpredictable. This ensures that you always have the best option for your day!
Reliable customer support
Personal support is available on all the listed canal cruises. We work with some of Amsterdam’s most renowned boat companies. You can contact them via email, WhatsApp, phone, or by visiting their physical stores.
Classical canal cruise daytime trip – 1 hour
The classical canal boat tour is always a good choice! These comfortable canal boats with glass ceilings and windows give you the opportunity to view the architectural highlights Amsterdam has to offer. In fall and winter, these boats provide you with cover against the weather so you can enjoy the city without feeling cold or getting wet.
Canal cruises are offered both day and night. What is the best canal tour for you is up to you to decide. Obviously, you’ll see more during the day and have better opportunities to take good pictures. However, if you are visiting Amsterdam with the love of your life, there’s nothing as romantic as cruising the canals at night! One of the best-known boating companies in Amsterdam is Lovers Canal Cruises. The boats depart from multiple locations throughout the city every 20 to 30 minutes. The route goes along all the highlights that Amsterdam has to offer. There are audio guides available in over 19 different languages. If you want to know if this is the right cruise for you, also read our full review of the Lovers 1 hour day time canal cruise. Purchasing tickets for your Amsterdam canal tour online will save you a few bucks and wait in the queue.
– Order your tickets with our exclusive Tours-tickets.com discount code ‘THINGSTODO10’ and get 10% extra off –
Semi-open boat tour (cheapest open boat option) – 1 hour
Enjoy an Amsterdam canal cruise from an electric, solar-powered vessel. On these pollution-free canal boats, you’ll get to enjoy the city comfortably in silence, or as you wish with an audio guide available in several languages. On sunny days, the boat tops will be removed, so that you can freely enjoy the sights of Amsterdam. Therefore these cruises are also a perfect match when you want to take home some magnificent pictures. However, if the weather turns out to be a bit more Dutch than expected, a dry comfortable place is also guaranteed. The semi-open boats depart from the centrally located Raamsdonksteiger, a two-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station.
– Order your canal tour tickets with our exclusive Tours-tickets.com discount code ‘THINGSTODO10’ and get 10% extra off –
Open boat tour incl. complimentary drink – 1 hour
Hop aboard one of the comfortable, modern open sloops to set sail and see some of Amsterdam’s most magnificent highlights, including the Skinny Bridge and the Dancing Houses. This already competitively priced canal tour even includes a complimentary drink of choice. Eco Boats, a well-established company in the boat rental niche, operates this new canal tour.
With departures every 30 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station, this open boat tour is a great choice for anyone who wants to see Amsterdam with the best possible views in the comfort of an open, electrified vessel. The crew is praised by many for their welcoming service and knowledgeable explanation of sights. The tour also entails a digital booklet available in; Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Check out our full review of the Eco Boats 1-hour canal cruise here >>
Hop-on-Hop-off cruise – over 1,5 hour tour during 24 hours
The Hop-on-Hop-off boat tour is the most flexible canal cruise in Amsterdam one can find. It allows you to see the city at your own pace. The boat tour takes you on a ride throughout the city. The canal boat stops at 7 different stops and you can get off at any point of choice. Among the seven stops, you’ll find Amsterdam Central Station, Rijksmuseum, the Albert Cuyp market, Anne Frank House, Gassan Diamonds and the Hermitage Museum. Feel free to get off at any point you like. Your ticket is valid for a full 24 hours between 9:15 and 19:00 and there are boats stopping every 25 minutes or so. In between the stops you’ll have plenty of time to visit one of the museums or do some shopping. When you’re ready to go back to finish the cruise no reservation is required, just hop on and hop off as much as you like. If you book your 24-hour ticket online you’ll be rewarded with €2,50 discount for each ticket and do not forget to use our discount.
The Hop on-Hop off cruises can also be booked for 48 hours and can be combined with a bus tour. Visit the following page on all available hop on hop off tours for more information and prices. Also, check out our full Hop-on-Hop-off cruise review here.
– Order your tickets with our exclusive Tours-tickets.com discount code ‘THINGSTODO10’ and get 10% extra off –
Rent a pedal boat
Looking for some playful fun out on the Amsterdam canals? Don’t miss out on the canal bike rentals! Become the captain of your very own pedal boat and cycle your way through the water. The canal bikes are a cool way to cruise the canals of Amsterdam. This is also a fun thing to do with kids in Amsterdam. Remember that you won’t see as much of the city as with any boat, as keeping the bike moving on the water takes a lot of energy. The canal bikes will offer you a good workout, though, and a great time especially when it is sunny outside. There are multiple rental points throughout the city, which are part of Stromma Canal Tours.
Dutch pancake cruise – 75 minutes
Are you looking for a strong traditional Dutch meal including an Amsterdam boat tour? Look no further! “De Pannenkoekenboot” or pancake boat is the best Amsterdam canal tour for you! The boat tour will take you on a cruise over the IJ River, while you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat traditional Dutch dish. The Dutch pancakes are served with toppings of choice, including syrup, fruit, chocolate, and marmalade, as well as savoury toppings such as bacon, Dutch cheese, and more! The boat departs from the Northern part of Amsterdam, which can easily be reached by the free ferry (NDSM F4) departing every 30 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station. The all-you-can-eat concept is a strongly recommended feast for both adults and kids! Half way the cruise, there will be a special surprise for the kids, as the hatch of the hidden ball pit opens and they can slide right in to have some fun! However, please bear in mind that, due to the size of this ship, you won’t be able to sail the iconic Amsterdam canals and do an iconic Amsterdam canal tour.
Small open boat cruise – 1 hour
Would you like to cruise in a comfortable open boat? This canal cruise is the right one for you! In these small electric vessels, you’ll be able to sit back, relax and enjoy some of the most amazing views of the historic city centre of Amsterdam. Thanks to the electric propulsion, there’s no noise and no pollution. During the cruise, you’ll pass some of the most iconic sights in Amsterdam, including the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) and the Amstel Hotel. The local captain is accompanied by a host who’ll make sure you won’t get thirsty during the cruise. A variety of drinks and snacks can be purchased during the cruise (not included in the price). These boat cruises can be booked from two departure points in the city centre; Amsterdam Central Station and the Anne Frank House.
New York Pizza canal cruise – 1.5 hour
The pizza cruise is a perfect alternative if you want a canal cruise in the evening but the dinner cruise is over your budget. During this 90-minute cruise, you’ll cover both the historical and newer parts of the city while enjoying a pizza of choice with a beer or a soda. The beverages are included in the price, so you’ll save money that you don’t have to spend on dinner, and you can tick off a must-do in Amsterdam! Enjoy a boat tour in Amsterdam while eating pizza. Do we need to say more? If you want to make sure whether the pizza cruise is the right choice for you, check out our full Lovers New York Pizza cruise review here.
– Order your tickets with our exclusive Tours-tickets.com discount code ‘THINGSTODO10’ and get 10% extra off –
Smoke & lounge boat tour – 1 hour
Amsterdam is widely known for the legalisation of marihuana, which you can buy at one of the many coffeeshops in Amsterdam. This boat trip is for those that want to enjoy the pleasure of smoking some on the water. During this 1-hour canal cruise, you’ll be able to watch Amsterdam drift by while enjoying your smoke. However, make sure to bring your own, as marijuana can only be sold at coffeeshops and not aboard the boat. Since smoking pot can make you thirsty, the cruise includes two drinks of choice. Expect a relaxed boat tour with some like-minded people and some relaxing music. Please note; this boat is not a party boat and doesn’t allow intoxicated people aboard.
Wine & Cheese canal cruise – 1 hour
This 60-minute cruise on a luxurious, modern ship departs regularly from the Anne Frank House. In 60 minutes’ time, you’ll get to see some of the most iconic parts of Amsterdam, including the Skinny Bridge, the Red Light District and the Maritime Museum. This cruise can be booked either with or without bites and beverages. For a little extra, you can enjoy drinks of choice and some nice Dutch Cheese. The friendly hosts will welcome you aboard the boat and pour you a drink of choice once the boat sets sail. During the comfortable ride on the Amsterdam canals the hosts can tell you all about the sights and surroundings.
Wine & Cheese evening boat cruise – 1.5 hour
During this 90-minute boat tour in Amsterdam, you’ll see the Dutch capital from the water after sunset. You’ll sail through Amsterdam’s romantic canal belt while enjoying a drink and a bite. Departing from a location near Amsterdam Central Station, the cruise will take you on some of Amsterdam’s finest UNESCO World Heritage-listed waterways with romantically illuminated bridges. Included in the cruise is the wine of choice: white, red, or rose, as well as mineral water. The wine will be accompanied by some tasty bites; a variety of local Dutch cheeses, grapes, bread and figs. It is a great way of exploring Amsterdam while enjoying quality time with your loved ones. Do you want to know if this cruise is the right fit for you? Read our full Lovers Cheese and Wine cruise review here!
Open booze canal cruise – 75 minutes including drinks
Are you looking for a cruise with a bit more excitement than the average, dull, canal cruise? Starboard Boats has got you covered. Their booze cruise in a small open boat is tailored for people looking for interaction with other travellers, who are looking to have a good time! During the 90-minute booze cruise, the cold beverages are waiting for you and are all included in the price. The luxury boats are fitted with comfy cushions and a toilet. The open boats enable you to shoot some of the most magnificent pictures of Amsterdam, while a cover will protect you in case of rain.
- A 75-minute cruise in a comfortable, open boat
- Choose between two included drinks or an open-bar option
- Ship fitted with a toilet
- Two pick-up points available; Red Light District & Amstel
Click here to book the Booze Cruise with departure from Red Light District at Tiqets.com >>
Dinner cruise on a classic canal boat – 2 hours
If you’re looking to do an Amsterdam canal cruise in the evening, combined with a tasty three-course meal, check out this dinner cruise on a classical canal boat! Departing at 19:30 from Amsterdam Central Station, you’ll get to enjoy some amazing views of Amsterdam at sunset. Once you have boarded the boat, you’ll be served freshly baked bread and soup for a starter. The main dish can be chosen upon reservation and includes a vegetarian, fish and meat option. Drinks are already included in the price, you can choose between multiple wines, beers or sodas of choice as well as a bottle of sparkling or still water for each table. To top it all off, a sweet dessert will be served to all. All in all a perfect cruise for anyone looking to combine an evening cruise on the romantic Amsterdam waterways with a decent meal!
Luxury Dinner Cruise with 3-course fine dining experience – 3 hours
If you’re looking to take your Amsterdam canal tour to the next level, we highly recommend checking out this luxury dinner cruise by Amsterdam Boats. Step aboard one of the high-end saloon boats and prepare for a 3-hour boat trip on the blissful Amsterdam canals, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage. This boat tour takes you along some of the finest historic Amsterdam canals, while you sit back and enjoy an à la carte 3-course dinner, with your loved ones. You’re desired courses will be freshly cooked in an acclaimed riverside restaurant and can be paired with some beautiful wines. The welcoming crew of Amsterdam Boats will do anything to ensure that you’ll have a wonderful fine dining experience on the Amsterdam canals. Any specific dietary wishes can be met, by indicating them on the reservation. The high-end ships can provide you with a comfortable experience with any type of weather; they are fitted with heating, but can also open the roof if the weather allows it. It is also possible to enjoy the views from the open deck in the back! This canal tour by Amsterdam Boats departs from a central location, near the Amsterdam City Hall.
Due to high demand, this cruise is now also available as a 3-hour luxury lunch cruise!
Private historical canal cruise on a 100-year-old boat – 1.5 hour
Do you want to relax, eat and drink on board a 100-year-old traditional Dutch boat while listening to all kinds of stories about Rembrandt? Do you want to discover the Amsterdam canals in privacy and learn something about her history? Book this private tour from skipper Rock That Boat. This private boat tour includes drinks like wine, beer, tea or coffee and has room for ten passengers. So this tour is perfect for a small group of friends or a family. The duration of this private Amsterdam boat tour is 1,5 hours and reservations are a must, as availability is limited.
Discover a canal cruise near you, and picture locations
In the front seat of the Lovers canal cruise. Our captain loved to tell us some (fun) facts about Amsterdam.
Boat Tour Amsterdam FAQ
Should I do a canal cruise in Amsterdam?
The answer is yes! Amsterdam is well known for its historical canals. Going on a boat trip allows you to explore and feel part of the city. As you cruise the canals, you will see many of Amsterdam’s highlights. We even dare to state that your trip isn’t complete if you haven’t been on a canal cruise. It is part of the Amsterdam journey.
How long is a canal cruise in Amsterdam?
The duration of a boat trip through Amsterdam depends on the one you choose. The duration of a boat trip differs from 60 minutes to 90 minutes or more. If you are happy to go on a classical cruise, you will cruise the water for one hour. Fancy a dinner and a drink and watch the sunset? The duration of the canal tour is 3 hours.
What’s the price for a canal cruise in Amsterdam?
There are many different canal cruises in Amsterdam, so it is hard to give you just one price. Prices of the canal cruises go from around €15,- up to €90,- or more, depending on the duration of the boat tour and beverages included in the boat tours.
Which canal cruise to take in Amsterdam?
We advise you to take a look at the many different canal cruises Amsterdam has to offer. Ask yourself the following questions, for example: would I like to have a good view in broad daylight, or would I prefer a more romantic cruise in the evening? How long do I want to be on the water? Would I just want to see the city or maybe also enjoy some bites or even dinner on the water? Do you want to share a canal boat and meet new people or just want to be with your loved ones? Look at your preferences and budget and choose the canal cruise that fits you most.
What is the best canal cruise in Amsterdam?
There is no such thing as the best canal cruise in Amsterdam. There are so many options, depending on your preference and budget. We advise you to go on a canal cruise if you have the chance. A canal cruise in Amsterdam is the perfect way to explore and feel part of the most beautiful part of the city!
Combitickets and discounted canal cruises
Obviously, the canal cruises are a big thing in Amsterdam. But as Amsterdam is expensive already, the price of canal tours in Amsterdam can be expensive for some. So for those who are looking for a cheap canal cruise check out the complete list of canal cruises and available discounts below. The best discounts and cheap canal cruises are often found in a combination ticket with a museum or excursion included. Choose wisely and have the best canal cruise Amsterdam price!
| Cruise / tour | Price | Discount |
| Classic canal cruise: Leidsekade | € 15,50 | € 4,50 |
| Hop-on-Hop-off bus & boat 24h | € 27,50 | € 2,50 |
| Rijksmuseum & canal cruise | € 36,- | € 6,50 |
| Xtracold Ice bar + canal cruise | € 37,00 | € 9,50 |
Sail a small boat yourself
Do you want to be completely free and decide yourself which canals to cruise, have a picnic, drink or stay on the canals for hours? Then there’s the option to hire a small electric boat and sail it yourself. This might very well be the coolest way to explore the waterways of Amsterdam! Especially when you’re with a group of people renting a boat in Amsterdam is a fun and cheap alternative for canal cruises with a classical canal boat. There are multiple companies that rent out small electric boats that you can sail yourself. They are easy to sail and the electric propulsion provides a smooth, comfortable cruise over the Amsterdam canals. So put your captain hat on and start your own adventure. An electric rental boat will cost you somewhere around €30,- per hour. A boat carries up to 6 people so that’s only €5,- per person when fully loaded. Sounds like a heck of a deal as a cheap canal tour!
